In November 2015, the Cedar Rapids Fire Department was chosen as one of 30 communities to have a dedicated team of professionals interested in doing all they can to help older adults live safely in their homes as long as possible. The program is facilitated by the Cedar Rapids Fire Department and HomeChoice Senior Care. Our Cedar Rapids team can facilitate engaging fire and fall prevention presentations and personalized home visits for older adults at no cost.

At age 65, older adults are twice as likely to be killed or injured by fires compared to the population at large. By age 75, that risk increases to three times that of the general population—and to four times by age 85.

Fires and burns are not the only hazards that threaten our older citizens. Statistics from the CDC show that falls are the leading cause of death from unintentional injury in the home. Thirty percent of people age 65 and older are involved in falls each year—some of those falls are fatal, while others permanently disable victims, often causing loss of mobility or independence.

By focusing attention on these two serious issues, we can make a measurable improvement in the health and well-being of older adults, who are a rapidly growing segment of the population. Remembering When is designed to prevent injuries among older adults and help them live safely at home.